Over the last year and a half, ditching the high street in favour of charity shops has played a huge role in my money saving mission. Not only have charity shop bargains helped my savings grow, it’s also allowed me to do my bit for the environment and donate money to worthy causes!
However, many people remain unconvinced of the brilliance of charity shops. Many people believe that second hand means inferior or poor quality but I’m here to tell those people that is simply not the case! Read on to discover the 5 things you should buy from charity shops if you can…
Thanks. I Bought It In A Charity Shop
My First Day As A Charity Shop Volunteer
Embrace The Charity Shop Book
A Shopaholic’s Guide To Being Thrifty
1. Clothes
Whether you’re a dedicated follower of fashion or someone who likes to break the rules, I’d definitely recommend scouring charity shops for clothes rather than turning straight to the high street.
The benefits of shopping at charity shops are endless; you’ll save money, minimise the impact on the environment, spruce up your wardrobe, and give money to a worth cause!
You’re sure to unearth tons of unique and quirky dresses that no one else will have, but you’re also destined to find on-trend pieces that people may have worn a handful of times before donating. Some styles may have fallen out of fashion for a short while before making a comeback. You’ll also find plenty of timeless classics such as jeans, stripes, and trench coats.
2. Books
If you’re a bit of a bookworm, I really recommend paying your local charity shops a visit and picking up a couple of reads while you’re there. The majority of charity shops are drowning under book donations, many of which end up having to be recycled because no one buys them.
Whether you’re looking for a recent bestseller, a biography, or a cookery book, I can’t emphasise enough how amazing charity shops are
3. Home Decor
Looking to spruce up your bedroom on a budget? Get your thrifty self down to the charity shops. Whether you’re after a vintage vase for your windowsill, a new set of curtains, or some stunning wall art, charity shops are overflowing with gorgeous treats. Decorating your home with charity shop finds can be SO much more satisfying than simply buying stuff new.
4. Furniture
When I finally buy my own home, the first place I’ll be going on my furniture shopping spree is my local Emmaus. It really is one of the best charity shops out there for picking up second hand furniture. It’s so affordable that you could probably furnish a small home for the price of a new three piece suite.
While most of the charity shop furniture I’ve come across has been great quality, there have been a few pieces that require a little TLC before they’re ready to introduce to your home. However, if you’re willing to spend a few hours upcycling something and making it your own, you’ll end up with something completely original.
5. DVDs
As much as I love Netflix and Amazon Prime, many of my favourite movies and TV shows are nowhere to be found. So if you have a craving for a particular film or series but you can’t find it online, charity shops are your friends.
Sure, you could buy it online or in a shop, but if you’re looking for a TV boxset, you could find yourself forking out.
The good news is that charity shops are overflowing with DVDs and with the best charity shops charging £1 or less for each movie, film fans may as well make the most of these second hand bargains.
